QSC CX108V & QSC CX168 Audio Power Amplifier

CX 8-Channel Professional Audio Power Amplifiers

Designed for permanently installed sound systems where rackspace is at a premium, QSC’s CX108V and CX168 provide unprecedented levels of channel density for multi-channel amplifiers. The QSC CX108V and QSC CX168 provide 100 watts per channel at 70 volts and 90 watts per channel at 8 ohms respectively. With both models, each pair of channels may be bridged to configure these amplifiers as 4, 5, 6, or 7 channel units. Like the entire CX Series, the 8 channel models features DataPorts for remote amplifier management or signal processing, incorporate QSC’s legendary PowerLight® technology, and deliver our unmatched reputation for quality and reliability.

Product Testing & Information

QSC’s PowerLight technology takes your audio to an entirely new level. Delivering tighter bass and clean, transparent highs, PowerLight also cuts waste heat, boosts reliability and eliminates unwanted noise and hum. PowerLight is a revolutionary switching power supply technology that provides ample current to the audio power circuitry by charging the supply rails over 200,000 times per second through an ultra-low noise impedance circuit. Unlike amplifiers that use conventional supplies, the QSC 8-channel amplifier’s audio signal is never starved prematurely and remains crisp and clean.

Product Features

  • 100 Watts per Channel at 70 Volts (CX108V)
  • 90 Watts per Channel at 8 Ohms and 130 Watts per Channel at 4 Ohms (CX168)
  • Compact Size – Only Two Rack Spaces and 14″ Deep for Reduced Rack Space
  • Channel Pairs Bridgeable for Maximum Flexibility
  • Exclusive PowerLight Switch-Mode Power Supply Technology for High Performance and Compact Size
  • Active Inrush Limiting Eliminates AC Inrush Current, Removing the Need for Expensive Power Sequencers
  • Four HD15 DataPorts (One per Channel Pair) for QSControl Computer Control or QSC’s Signal Processing Accessories
  • Custom Integrated Gain Control Security Cover for Tamper Proof Installations
  • 1 dB Recessed Detented Gain Control for Fast and Accurate Settings
  • Detachable Euro Style Input and Output Connectors
  • DIP Switch Control for Clip Limiters, High-Pass Filters, Bridge Mono and Parallel Operation
  • Selectable High-Pass Filters Protect Speakers and Prevent Speaker Transformer Saturation with Minimal Effect on Program Material (50 Hz or 75 Hz; CX108V) (33 Hz or 70 Hz; CX168)
  • Comprehensive Front Panel Indicators Including Signal, Clip, Bridge Mono and Parallel-Input LEDs
  • Fully Protected – Including DC, Infrasonic and Ultrasonic, Thermal Overload and Short Circuit Protection
  • High-Performance Class AB+B Complementary Bipolar Output Circuitry
  • Lightweight – Only 21 lbs (9.5 kg) for Easier Racking and Shipping
  • 3 Year Warranty Plus Optional 3 Year Extended Service Contract
CX168 CX108V
Watts Per Channel
8Ω / 20 Hz-20 kHz / 0.05% THD 8 × 90 —
4Ω / 20 Hz-20 kHz / 0.1% THD 8 × 130 —
70V / 20 Hz-20 kHz / 0.2% THD — 8 × 100
Stereo Mode (all channels driven) Continuous average output power per channel
8Ω / 20 Hz-20 kHz / 0.05% THD 90 W —
4Ω / 20 Hz-20 kHz / 0.1% THD 130 W
Midband Ratings All Channels Driven Single Channel
8Ω / 1 kHz / 0.1% THD 100 W 120 W —
4Ω / 1 kHz / 0.1% THD 140 W 180 W —
70V / 20 Hz-20 kHz / 0.2% THD — 100 W
Bridge Mono Mode Bridge mono mode operation
16Ω / 20 Hz-20 kHz / 0.1% THD 180 W —
8Ω / 20 Hz-20 kHz / 0.1% THD 260 W —
140V / 20 Hz-20 kHz / 0.2% THD — 200 W
Signal to Noise (20 Hz-20 kHz) -107 dB -100 db
Input Sensitivity 1.25 Vrms at 8Ω 1.26 Vrms at 70V
Voltage Gain 20× (26 dB) 56× (35 dB)
Input Clipping 6 Vrms (+18 dBu) 6 Vrms (+18 dBu)
Output Circuitry AB+B AB+B
Frequency Response 20 Hz-20 kHz, + 0.2 dB 20 Hz-20 kHz, + 0.4dB
8 Hz-50 kHz, + 0/-3 dB 8 Hz-70 kHz, + 0/-3 dB
Damping Factor >200 (5 kHz and below) >500 (5 kHz and below)
Input Impedence 6k ohms unbalanced, 22k ohms balanced 6k ohms unbalanced, 22k ohms balanced
Distortion (SMPTE-IM) < 0.02%
Distortion (typical)
20 Hz-20 kHz: 10 dB below rated power < 0.1% THD
1.0 kHz and below: full rated power < 0.03% THD
Cooling Variable-speed fan / rear-to-front air flow through tunnel heat sink
Connectors
Input 3-pin euro-style detachable terminal blocks (one per channel)
DataPort HD-15 connector (Ch. 1+2, 3+4, 5+6, 7+8)
Output two 8-pin euro-style detachable terminal blocks
Controls
Front AC switch, Ch. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8 gain knobs
Rear DIP switches for Ch. 1-8, clip limiter on/off, LF filter freq select 33 or 70 Hz for CX168, LF filter freq select 50 or 75 Hz for CX108V, inputs parallel or stereo; bridge mono
Indicators
Power-On Green LED
Parallel Inputs Orange LED (1 per channel pair)
Signal -35 dB Green LED (1 per channel)
Bridged Yellow LED (1 per channel)
Clip Red LED (1 per channel)
Amplifier Protection Full short circuit, open circuit, thermal, ultrasonic, and RF protection. Stable into reactive or mismatched loads
Load Protection On/off muting, individual channel DC fault blocking
Dimensions (H×W×D) 3.5″ (8.9 cm) 2 rack spaces × 19″ (48.3 cm) rack mounting × 14″ (35.6 cm) from front mount rails
Weight – Net/Shipping 21 lbs (9.5 kg)/27 lbs (12.3 kg)
Power Requirements 100, 120, 230 VAC, 50-60 Hz (configured at factory)
120V Current Consumption (Multiply currents by 0.5 for 230V units)
Idle 0.6 A 0.6 A
1⁄8 power pink noise (typical of program material at maximum unclipped power) 8Ω 6.2 A —
4Ω 9.2 A —
70V — 6.3 A
1⁄3 power pink noise (typical of program material with severe clipping) 8Ω 9.2 A —
4Ω 14.2 A —
70V — 9.4 A